At Property Management, Inc. (PMI), giving back is a cornerstone of our company values, exemplified by our annual Volunteer Day. This initiative showcases our commitment to our core values, particularly being a local organization. We define this core value as conducting business where we live and striving to have a positive impact on our communities. By dedicating time and effort to international and local causes, we not only support those in need but also strengthen the bonds between our co-owner employees and the neighborhoods they call home. Volunteer Day is a testament to our dedication to making a difference and highlights the importance of giving back.
PMI’s Volunteer Day is meant to empower our employees and contribute to causes they are passionate about. Each year, co-owners can have a paid day to volunteer at an organization of their choosing. Options for volunteering include non-profit organizations, charities, schools, and faith-based groups, whether local or international. This flexibility ensures that employees can find meaningful ways to give back. Many employees have taken part in Volunteer Day, sharing inspiring stories of their experiences and the impacts they’ve made.
Steve Waller, Construction Manager, along with his furry companion Georgia Peaches, regularly volunteer at the HIA Airport to help passengers relax and calm down from fear. Georgia Peaches is a certified Therapy Dog and is part of the EmBark airport team. EmBark is a nationwide group in over 130 airports across the USA. “We enjoy meeting people, the dogs love the attention, and it is a great distraction for the people flying,” Steve says, “We have had comments from the flight staff that they can tell when the dogs are there because everyone on the plane are more relaxed.”
In a different part of the world, Community Director, Mildred Ruiz, spent time volunteering on a mission trip to Nicaragua. After listening to a woman mention her goal of building a house every year for a family in need, Mildred was motivated to join a church mission. During the week-long trip, Mildred served meals and helped to supply clothing to extremely impoverished communities. “One of the things we were so moved by was the giving heart of those who seemed they had nothing to give” she says, “A young boy who lived with his mother and siblings in a one room shack climbed on a tree to knock down three mangoes to be able to offer something to us.” The church has since purchased some land and is currently fundraising to build a school.
For the past five years, the entire State College commercial office has been actively engaged in the Centre County Day of Caring with the United Way. This annual event involves volunteers being assigned to various improvement projects throughout the community. Typically, the State College team spends the day assisting at the local YMCA undertaking tasks such as painting and landscaping to enhance the facilities and support the community’s well-being. Heather Nelson, Vice President, Division Manager, is no stranger to volunteer work with having spent time in Costa Rica volunteering at animal rescues. “The time I spent volunteering at the animal rescue in Costa Rica was more fulfilling than I could have ever anticipated.” She explains “The rescue largely focuses on sloth rescue. The rescue saves and rehabilitates these animals with the intent to release them back into their natural habitat. The unexpected benefit was the relationships and connections I made with other volunteers from all over the world. There is nothing more human and rewarding than volunteering.”
Will Cook, Senior Facility Manager, embodies a life of active volunteering and community service. Currently serving in the PA Army National Guard, he oversees an Ammunition and Supply Platoon while teaching firearms and drivers training, as well as master resiliency to soldiers. Beyond his military service, Will also serves as a scout leader and actively participates in his church community. He and his wife have initiated and led numerous impactful initiatives, including marriage ministry, drug and alcohol recovery programs, youth fishing programs, homeless outreach, and more. Will’s dedication was recognized with the Catto Medal for excellent community service in 2019 and his wife received the Jefferson Award for outstanding community work in 2018. Will comments “It’s always nice to be noticed but the real joy comes from serving others. When you see the impact, you can have on someone’s life, there is no greater reward.”
Crystal Mathus, Marketing Director, has devoted her time and efforts to volunteering at Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity for the past several years. Her role involves actively participating in projects at the Lancaster Restore. “I enjoy helping to raise funds to provide homes for families in need.”
Shannon Hawbaker, Administrative Assistant, has dedicated her time to volunteering at PAWS since 2006. Her contributions have included fostering animals, conducting weekly dog walking sessions, assisting with dog adoption events, and more. PAWS, a local nonprofit organization, is committed to advancing animal welfare and safety with compassion. Through adoption programs, sheltering services, educational initiatives, and community assistance, PAWS strives to make a positive impact on the lives of animals and the community as a whole. “I volunteer with PAWS mostly because I love dogs and I want to save them all! But especially because PAWS goes above and beyond for every animal, including the fact that they do not euthanize” she explains “I’ve really seen this organization grow over the last 15+ years and it’s an incredible asset to our community. I’m so proud to be associated with this organization!!”
PMI co-owners have volunteered at faith-based organizations near and far. Leslie Weaver, Accounting Clerk, who has been a long-time member of Kingdom Hall in Mechanicsburg says “I get great joy in helping to make this place of worship a beautiful part of the community.” Leslie is an avid coffee drinker and helps to ensure that there is plenty of coffee and snacks available during the organization’s maintenance days.
PMI’s TRUSTED TEAM
At PMI, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and this belief is reflected in our employee-owned structure. Every employee is a part-owner of the company, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in the work that they do. This commitment to work that values its employees is evident in the way we prioritize their well-being and professional growth. With a co-ownership culture, we ensure that everyone at PMI is invested in the success of our company and the communities we serve.
PMI offers a diverse range of positions throughout the state of Pennsylvania, from accounting and property management to maintenance and beyond. We are dedicated to creating a work environment that values its employees by providing a wide array of benefits and opportunities for professional development. If you are interested in joining a trusted team that values giving back and fostering a supportive workplace, visit our website to learn more about working at PMI or browse our open positions.
Crystal Mathus, Author